The 2012-2013 TT Pro League calendar will kick off on Saturday 8 September with the introduction of a Digicel Charity Shield.

The inaugural Digicel Charity Shield will be contested between the winner of last season’s Digicel Pro League Championship, DIRECTV W Connection and the winner of last season’s Digicel Pro Bowl, Defence Force from 5pm at the Mannie Ramjohn Stadium.

The Shield is to be contested annually by the champions of the League and Pro Bowl, or in the case of the winner being the same in both competitions, the League runner-up becomes the opponent.

“The Pro League continues to seek new ways to be creative and innovative in order to improve the attendance at the games,” explained TT Pro League CEO Dexter Skeene.

He added, “This is another brand extension that we are introducing which is in line with our mission to stimulate the growing interest in the League and to bring the public closer to the clubs and players. These initiatives are intended to contribute to the sustainable development, not only to the sport of football, but the various communities represented by the TT Pro League.”

The Digicel Charity Shield winner will have $10,000 donated to a charitable cause of choice, while part proceeds generated from the gate receipts go towards introducing the “Read to Rise” Primary Literacy Program to a school within the club’s community.

Gates open from 4pm with the Fiesta Saturday vibe—which is very much a family type atmosphere of games, bouncy castles and much more.